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Summer Help: Applying Homeopathy

By:

Alan Siddal

Summer's warmth leads to more outdoor activities and the potential for bumps, bruises, and burns.

Certain homeopathic remedies stand out for the external treatment of these painful, but superficial, ailments. Many of these conditions will also be relieved by internal homeopathy treatments, but we'll focus on topical applications here.

Black and Blue

Arnica is helpful for any soft tissue or muscle that is bruised or sore, but it shouldn't be used on broken skin.

"Arnica is fantastic for bruises without any cuts," says Dana Ullman, MPH. He recommends applying it in the form of ointment, gel, or spray.

Calendula is preferred when the bruise is accompanied by a minor wound.

Too Much Sun

First-degree burns such as sunburn respond well to Calendula, the go-to remedy for many minor skin irritations. If using a tincture, dilute it with at least three parts water so the tincture's alcohol won't irritate the burned skin.

A gel containing Urtica is particularly good for sunburn when there is no blistering. For a more severe burn, try Hypericum lotion.

Cuts and Scrapes

For minor cuts, scrapes, and other abrasions, apply Calendula cream or ointment, which will promote healing and help prevent infections.

"External applications of Calendula are so effective in closing up cuts and wounds that it is not recommended for deep cuts or wounds because it closes up the outer parts of them so rapidly," says Ullman.